As Pittsburgh braces for a weekend of unsettled weather, locals are advised to keep umbrellas close at hand. According to the latest from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pittsburgh, the area is facing a stretch of warm, humid days accompanied by frequent showers and thunderstorms poised to persist into the middle of next week.
The NWS's Area Forecast Discussion highlights a marginal risk of excessive rain due to a stalled front that's sparking off the wet conditions. For those not geeked out on weather lingo, it’s looking pretty soggy, with flashy downpours threatening low-lying and flood-prone areas. Pockets of heavy rain are particularly likely this afternoon as temperatures promise to activate clusters of rain clouds hovering above our city, directly overhead, or just off to the side, depending on where this quasi-stationary boundary decides to hang its hat.
Looking forward, Saturday's forecast doesn't offer much in the way of relief. Meteorologists warn of a potentially higher flood threat with slightly higher PWATS and potential 'primed' areas from rainfall. It's a technical way of saying that if you thought today was wet, just wait for the sequel, especially as the ground already soggy from today's showers will be less able to absorb additional rainfall. Despite this, temperatures should hover closer to seasonal norms even if the stickiness in the air refuses to budge, setting us up for a muggy weekend.
While general VFR conditions may greet us this morning, aviators should anticipate a bumpy ride later this afternoon when isolated or scattered convection increases after around 18:00. Thunderstorms are said to be quite the rambunctious sort, albeit disorganized, yet with a penchant for potentially dangerous downburst winds. If you're planning a red-eye flight or a very early start on Saturday, you might find yourself in IFR territory with visibility taking a nosedive as ceiling heights drop.
The current landscape spells a damp narrative for Pittsburgh, one without watches or advisories set by the NWS Pittsburgh yet. But as those familiar with the temperament of our city's weather patterns know, it pays to be prepared. Keep your rain gear at the ready, and stay tuned to local updates as the weekend unfolds.
